Hatching chicks and turkey poults and cows and calves are just some of the dozens of livestock attractions at the EDP Spring Fling.

The number of tickets already sold for the 14th annual event, which takes place at the Norfolk showground on Wednesday, April 10, is ahead of last year, said event organiser Sam Joyce.

A number of changes have been made to the layout of the fun event for children aged between four and 14, which is designed to encourage visitors to learn more about food, farming and the countryside. The theme is 'Spring Greens.'

Since the Spring Fling was staged in 2000 by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association,and the EDP, it has grown gradually and last April attracted total attendance of about 5,100 youngsters and their parents.

The organisers have made a number of changes to the layout, which should concentrate events around the showground's permanent exhibition building, the Norfolk Arena. Inside, there will be the opportunity to watch sausages being made – all from pork carcases prepared by butcher Terry Beales and his team of volunteers – and then cooked by the members of Ladies in Pigs.

While the majority of stands and practical demonstrations are under cover, there will be plenty to see and enjoy outside – from sheepdog handling and demonstrations of working dogs. The Countryside Area also features hawk displays, fly fishing and a fun parrot show.

A team of tractor and trailer drivers will be taking visitors around the showground, starting from towards the end of the cattle buildings. While the tractor rides were the second most popular attraction for some 5,744 passengers because many of the sell-out event's visitors went for two or even three rides.

There will also be the opportunity to climb into the tractor cab and sit on the tractor seat.

And the education theme, which has evolved over the years, includes a handbook/ guide, which has questions, quizzes and some farming facts and figures.

The ever-popular demonstration of reed dressing by a team from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust is also returning. Pigs, cattle, sheep and horses, of all ages and size, will also be on display too.

The event runs between 9.30am and 3.30pm. All visitors must obtain a ticket in advance. No tickets will be available on the gate. All children and adults must have a ticket. While there is free entry for children, aged under two in a family group, food and drink is not included. Parking is free.

n Tickets, which are strictly limited, cost £7.50 each, can be obtained from the EDP's offices at Prospect House, Norwich and our network of branch offices at Beccles, Cromer, Dereham, Diss, Fakenham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Our offices are closed on Saturdays.